The Confluence Cast

What makes news in Columbus? From gentrification to policing to protests, Matter News is approaching issues with an approach meant to build trust while avoiding bias. In this week’s episode, Matter News’ Editor in Chief, Jaelynn Grisso, talks about their non-profit structure, how they choose and execute their coverage, and the importance of objectivity in reporting. SHOWNOTES Matter Ne...

The work of an artist isn’t much different from other pursuits. You have to plan, react to change, and it doesn’t hurt if you’re in the right place at the right time. This week, we talk with cartoonist and one of the organizers of Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, Jeff Smith, to discuss the origins of his character Bone, the importance of getting buy-in to those that you’re acco...

In this time of consistent change and challenge, we look at how the Columbus community is standing up. Can’t Stop Columbus is a community-wide movement that tries to address some of the problems that have arisen due to the COVID-19 crisis. Co-organizer Mackenzie King joins us to discuss how the organization got started, how they’ve scaled up to 56 projects, and the importance of being...

When is Columbus getting a hyperloop?! Reporter Brent Warren spoke with MORPC’s Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Development, Thea Ewing, to discuss where things stand with plans for the hyperloop, what’s holding Columbus back from having mass transit, and the importance of redundancies in technology; including transportation. Shownotes Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commiss...

Is the Columbus startup scene ready for its closeup? In this episode, independent creator  Jay Clouse talks about his documentary film,  Test City, USA , which paints a portrait of the Columbus tech scene and the funding that supports it. In addition to the film and the scene at large, we talk about Jay’s path, the importance of diversity, and the blank slate that is Columbus. Shownotes Jay...

Much like the rest of our city, the land controlled by and surrounding The Ohio State University is continually evolving. Reporter Brent Warren spoke with Ohio State’s Vice President of Planning, Architecture and Real Estate, Keith Myers, to discuss their framework plan, the importance of connecting the university to the surrounding community, and why consistent leadership and vision are nee...

How should news outlets negotiate the changing digital landscape? David Dewitt, the editor of the newly-launch Ohio Capital Journal, sat down to discuss their nonprofit news model, the importance of non-partisan news, how to deal with commenters, and more. Shownotes Ohio Capital Journal David Dewitt on Twitter States Newsroom Plunderbund Report for America Zack Space Ohio Capital Journal Newslette...

There is a myriad of possible solutions to breathe new life into a neighborhood. The Idea Foundry, an established makerspace in Franklinton, has a solution. In this episode, CEO Casey McCarty discusses how they helped transform an abandoned warehouse into a vibrant community that houses over 30 private office spaces for small businesses, startups, and corporate innovation spaces, sparking growth f...

Is Ohio woke enough? Why aren’t we a swing state anymore? What’s it going to take to turn things around before the 2020 election? These questions and more were addressed by former Governor Ted Strickland at a special live event at the Gateway Film Center. Shownotes Governor Ted Strickland Capital University Senator Harry Reid Senator Rob Portman House Bill 6 Gateway Film Center Governo...

The City of Reynoldsburg is in for some big changes in the coming years. How they go about that change and get buy-in from their residents is key to their success. Reporter Brent Warren sat down with OHM Advisors Principal Aaron Domini and the city’s Director of Development Andrew Bowsher to talk about how they’re approaching the coming changes and best practices for planning for the f...

When artist Laura Alexander came back to Columbus after graduate school, she thought she’d stick around for a couple months. That was ten years ago. Laura sat down to talk about why Columbus is the place she makes her work, her background, and we go behind the curtain on the art world at large. Shownotes Laura Alexander Laura Alexander on Columbus Makes Art Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education...

After a nervous breakdown and mental health diagnosis, Achea Redd needed help. She found it by finding her voice through writing on her blog, Real Girls F.A.R.T. (Fearless, Authentic, Rescuer, & Trailblazer). On the occasion of her upcoming keynote at the Columbus YWCA’s fundraiser Activists and Agitators, she sat down to talk about her work, the stigma of mental health in African Americ...

Who should be taking ownership over the uniqueness that is Columbus culture? Scott Woods has some ideas about that and how we should be defining it. Among his many hats (poet, organizer, journalist, etc), he’s working to curate and develop what Columbus has to offer with his biggest project to date, Streetlight Guild. Shownotes Scott Woods Scott Woods’ Columbus Make Art profile Scott W...

Two years ago, when the Independents’ Day Festival wrapped up after 10 years, it left a gap in the Columbus festival scene that’s slowly been filled by other independent event producers. Festival and community organizer Cassie Young sat down this week to talk about her new endeavor, Cloud City 614, filling that gap, and how people can discover what’s going on in Columbus. Shownot...

In Ohio, single parents pay nearly 44% of their income for an infant in a daycare center and nearly 80% for two children (Child Care Aware of America, 2018). The Overcomer Foundation is trying to address that financial burden. This week, Sarah Perez, co-founder and president of the newly formed non-profit discusses their mission and the importance of companies in Columbus giving back. Shownotes Ov...

Honing any craft takes practice. That’s the philosophy of educator, illustrator, and animator Charlotte Belland. In this week’s episode, she discusses her background, her role at the Columbus College of Art & Design, how Columbus gives to its artists, and the importance of forming habits and showing up. Shownotes Charlotte Belland Charlotte Belland on Columbus Makes Art Charlotte B...

Who should we have at the table when trying to address the challenges and opportunities in Columbus? Storyteller and filmmaker Donte Woods-Spikes talks about that, being a young Black man in Columbus, and how he tries to show the importance of being present with family and friends in his work. Shownotes Donte Woods-Spikes Donte Woods-Spikes on Columbus Makes Art His Last Words trailer His Last Wor...

Is Columbus ever going to get light rail? Is that what Columbus really needs? Reporter Brent Warren sat down with Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission Executive Director William Murdock to discuss the work that MORPC does, where the region is going, the difference between developing a plan and implementing it, and how to ignite the conversation about transit change in Columbus. Shownotes MORPC Wi...

Columbus’s suburbs will play a big role in how we’re able to grow in the future. Reporter Brent Warren sat down with Whitehall’s mayor Kim Maggard and Economic Development Director Zach Woodruff to discuss the new mixed-use development plans in Whitehall, how they believe they are uniquely positioned to grow in the years to come, and what you may not know about Whitehall. SHOWNOT...

How is Columbus going to deal with its anticipated growth? Former United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, who was in town for MORPC’s State of the Region meeting sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to discuss that, the importance of helping people with technology, and autonomous vehicles. SHOWNOTES MORPC Anthony Foxx Smart City Challenge Smart Columbus De...

They say politicians are only as good as their last election, but after that, they’re already looking towards the next election. After serving 4 years as mayor of Columbus, Andrew Ginther is reflecting on the accomplishments of his first term, but since he’s running unopposed for reelection, now he’s thinking about what to get done in his second term. Ginther sat down with Columb...

The test of an organization is how it responds to adversity. Such was true for development organization Crawford Hoying during the recession. With multiple developments built and thriving since then, principals Brent Crawford and Bob Hoying sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to discuss how a chance meeting in the late 1990s led to a partnership that endures today, how difficu...

Ohio’s place in history is often relegated to a few events or trivial facts. Local attorney Alex Hastie and his podcast, Ohio v. the World, are seeking to change that. With in-depth interviews on Ohio’s influence on our society, Hastie digs deep to show his love of history and his home state. We sat down to talk about the podcast got started, why it’s important, and his plans for...

With nearly a year into her role as president and CEO of COTA, Joanna Pinkerton sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to talk about how she came into her role, the interdependence of mobility in Columbus, mobility as a service, the state of affairs at COTA, and where they’re going. Shownotes COTA Joanna Pinkerton Department of Transportation Center for Automotive Research...

Being a working artist isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are plenty of folks in Columbus to show you the way. Muralist Adam Hernandez talks about how he found his way here, the importance of mentors, and being a “real” person in the business. Shownotes Adam Hernandez Art Makes Columbus profile Theme song episode Mysterioso Rock Art P3 Magic Theater Erik Tate episode Stephanie Rond ep...